Vitamin E
By Annika Tuuling
Why Is Vitamin E Important?
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects your body tissue from being damaged by free radicals, which harm cells, tissues, and organs. Your body also needs Vitamin E to keep your immune system strong so you can fight off viruses and bacteria. It is very important in the formation of red blood cells and helps the body use Vitamin K, as well as widening blood vessels to keep blood from clotting.
What Will Happen If You Don't Get Enough Vitamin E?
Although a deficiency in Vitamin E is uncommon, it can happen if your body can't absorb fat properly. Symptoms of a Vitamin E deficiency are muscle weakness, loss of muscle mass, abnormal eye movements, vision problems, and unsteady walking. A deficiency lasting a long time can also cause liver and kidney problems.
Where Can You Get Vitamin E?
You can get Vitamin E from:
Vegetable oils (wheat germ, sunflower, safflower, corn, & soybean oils)Nuts (almonds, peanuts, & hazelnuts/filberts)
Seeds (sunflower seeds)
Green leafy vegetables (spinach & broccoli)
Fortified breakfast cereals, fruit juices, margarine, & spreads.